The air at Ispat Stadium was filled with national pride on August 15th as SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), celebrated India’s 79th Independence Day with zeal and zest. The day’s events, brimming with patriotic fervor, began with Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge, RSP, unfurling the tricolor. He then inspected and took the salute from an impressive march past featuring 63 contingents, whose precise movements were set to the vibrant tunes of the Gyan Jyoti Public School band. Mr. Ratan Kumar, DIG (CISF), was present along with him on the dais. The students from Delhi Public School led the attendees in a powerful rendition of the National Anthem.
Extending heartiest greetings and good wishes to everyone on the momentous occasion of the 79th Independence Day, Mr. Verma said, “Steel is the backbone of India’s infrastructure, connecting the nation through bridges, skyscrapers, railways, and highways. At Rourkela, we are more than a steel plant—we are a pillar of national progress, contributing to a stronger, more prosperous India with every ton we produce.”
Elaborating the deep emotional bond between RSP and the state and outlining the road ahead, the DIC said, “Rourkela Steel Plant has always been more than an industry for Odisha—it is an emotion. For over six decades, it has been a beacon of opportunity, a “rice bowl” that has nourished millions of families. Today, expansion is not merely an option—it is an absolute necessity for its survival and continued legacy in the face of stiff global competition. We cannot let down the dreams, the sweat and the hard work of those who built this great institution.”
The DIC also highlighted the achievements of the Steel Plant in the field of production, productivity, environment management, safety, human resources, sports, CSR and health care. “Our dedication to giving back is a core value of the Rourkela Steel Plant,” he added.
Mr. Verma also emphasised on the belief of RSP in having robust relationships with every stakeholder. He also touched upon the efforts made by RSP in the Township in enhancing the quality of life of the employees and the residents of steel city and its peripheral populace.
In his concluding remarks the Director In-charge said, “Today, as we celebrate our freedom, let’s also celebrate our collective purpose. Let’s renew our pledge to work with passion, pride, and an unwavering belief in our ability to contribute to the great Indian story. Let’s all walk together, think together and move forward together with a resolve to steer our country forward.”
In the award ceremony organised on this occasion, the Mr. Verma felicitated the CISF personnel for their exemplary service. He also presented a special trophy to the RSP Fire Brigade team. Thereafter he presented the prestigious RSP Gaurab awards, and the prizes to the best performing contingents.
The programmme was attended by Mrs. Namrata Verma, President, Deepika Mahila Sanghati, Mr. Biswaranjan Palai, ED (Works), Mr. Anil Kumar, ED (MM), Mr. M P Singh, ED (Mines), Mr. Sudip Pal Chowdhury, ED (Projects), Dr. J K Acharya, CMO In-Charge (M&HS), Mr. Rajesh Dasgupta, CGM (F&A), Dr. J K Acharya, CMO In-Charge (M&HS), Dr. (Mrs.) Pratigna Palai, Mrs. Reeta Rani, Mrs. Bandana Singh, all Vice Presidents of DMS and many other Senior Officers of the Plant were present on the occasion.
Mr. Anil Kumar Mallick, Senior Technician of Silicon Steel Mill and Ms. Akanksha Mallick anchored the programme.
At a similar function held in Mini Stadium, Sector – 22, the Director In-Charge unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute at a colourful march past by 43 contingents. Here too he presented awards to the best contingents of the parade. The DIC special award carrying cash award of Rs. 10000/- was presented to Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir, Sona Parbat and Guru Gomkey Santhali Vidyalay. The Ispat Engish Medium School, Sector-22 was awarded for playing band in the parade. DIC also presented special award to Nari Shakti Jana Kalyan Kendra SHG on the occasion.
Independence Day was also celebrated by the Odisha Group of Mines of RSP. Mr. Malla Srinivasu, CGM (Mines-BOM) hoisted the National Flag at a grand function organised Bolani Football Ground while Mr. Himanshu Mishra, CGM (Mines- BIM,KIM,TIM) hoisted the National Flag at Ispat High School Playground, Tensa. Mr. A K Mishra, GM (Mining – KIM) hoisted the National Flag in the KIM Administrative building. All the functions were attended by a large number of local people.
At a function held at Deepika Mahila Jagriti Sansthan, Sector – 2, Mrs. Namrata Verma hoisted the flag in the presence of the Vice Presidents, Secretary, members of the Governing body and other volunteers of Deepika Mahila Sanghati.
